Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) has demanded an independent probe into the deaths of 37 detainees at a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) facility in Minna, Niger State. The organisation expressed concern over reports of overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and delayed access to assistance. Many of the deceased were teenagers aged between 14 and 18.
According to ASF France, survivors described a desperate struggle to breathe in the overcrowded cell, with detainees repeatedly calling for assistance as people began collapsing. The NSCDC attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, but the precise circumstances and causes remain unclear. The Federal Government has announced an investigation and suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant.
ASF France stated that the state bears a heightened responsibility for protecting persons deprived of their liberty, and authorities assume responsibility for safeguarding their lives, health, and physical integrity. The organisation's Country Director, Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, said the deaths raise serious questions about the authorities' measures to prevent foreseeable harm and respond effectively to distress.
The organisation welcomed the decision to investigate but stressed that deaths in state custody require a prompt, independent, impartial, and effective investigation. ASF France cited Rule 71 of the United Nations Nelson Mandela Rules, which requires every custodial death to be reported to a judicial or other competent authority independent of the prison administration.
ASF France also referenced the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death (2016), which provides that investigations should examine not only the immediate cause of death but also whether authorities failed to take reasonable measures to prevent the deaths. The organisation called on the Nigerian authorities to ensure the investigation is independent and examines the responsibility of officials and institutions throughout the chain of command.
ASF France urged the authorities to preserve all relevant evidence, including custody registers, medical records, and CCTV footage, and to protect surviving detainees and witnesses from intimidation or interference. The organisation also called for the families of the deceased to receive timely information and access to the investigation.
ASF France works worldwide to promote and protect fundamental human rights and access to justice, including for persons deprived of their liberty. The organisation will continue to monitor developments in the case and urged the Nigerian authorities to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice for the deceased, their families, and the surviving detainees.
Key points
- ASF France demands an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 detainees at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
- The organisation cites concerns over overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and delayed access to assistance at the facility.
- ASF France urges the Nigerian authorities to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice for the deceased and their families.
